The Bargain — Patricia Coughlin

Fed up with unscrupulous males on the make, vulnerable Lisa Bennett devised an ice-princess routine that chilled even the hottest pursuit. But wily Sam Ravenal seemed determined to thwart her with a strictly-friendship act of his own. Just what was he after.

With casual ease he deflected her queries about whittling his days away on the docks. With careful planning he pinned swashbuckling pirates, captive wenches and buried treasure onto her family tree. And once he had her burning with curiosity and reluctant ardor, he drove a hard bargain: instant marriage . . . with no questions asked!